SAKIA AUSTIN
Upper Marlboro,MD
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at the Department of Homeland Security, excelling in legal research and records management. Proven ability to enhance project coordination and compliance auditing, ensuring efficient operations. Recognized for attention to detail and delivering high-quality results in fast-paced environments.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Assistant
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of the Executive Secretariat
Washington, DC
02.2017 - Current
- Analyzed and balanced workloads for EXSO team to ensure timely project completion.
- Served as primary contact for USCIS Congressional issues, maintaining close relations with political appointees.
- Provided quality customer service to DHS components by managing updated logs on agency programs.
- Managed gift offer taskings and advised program office directorates on approval statuses.
- Assisted in preparing Congressional folders for high-level communications with government entities.
- Tracked and processed citizen mail and legal documents for efficient EXSO operations.
- Conducted research and analysis in response to Freedom of Information Act requests for USCIS.
Legal Assistant
Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Chief Counsel
Arlington, VA
06.2008 - 02.2017
- Provided analytical and legal assistance to Office of the Chief Counsel and staff attorneys in litigation section.
- Answered diverse questions related to Immigration Customs and Enforcement and court proceedings for immigrants.
- Served as liaison to obtain case information from DHS offices, agencies, and ICE clients.
- Reviewed and prepared case files for immigration hearings, including assembling legal documents.
- Prepared motions, summary affirmances, court filings, and managed case tracking as needed.
- Managed FOIA requests and maintained updated logs on National File Tracking System as required by law.
- Conducted file audits with records program office for ICE and USCIS offices.
- Maintained court calendars and extensive legal filing systems for attorney preparation.
Assistant Manager
Factory Card and Party Outlet
District Heights, MD
05.2007 - 06.2008
- Supervised daily operations to ensure smooth store functionality.
- Trained and mentored staff on customer service best practices.
- Managed inventory levels to maintain product availability and organization.
- Handled scheduling and staff assignments for optimal coverage.
Administrative Support Specialist
United States Department of Justice, INS
Arlington, VA
08.1999 - 03.2007
- Coordinated office operations to support legal case management processes.
- Managed correspondence and documentation for immigration services effectively.
- Organized files and records to ensure quick access to information.
- Provided administrative support to senior staff during high-volume periods.
Assistant Manager
The Athlete's Foot Shoe Store
Temple Hills, MD
03.1997 - 03.2005
- Supervised daily operations to ensure smooth store functionality.
- Managed inventory levels to maintain product availability and organization.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to communicate updates and expectations.
- Managed customer service inquiries and complaints in a timely manner.
Security Sergeant
Black Enterprise Television (BET)
Washington, DC
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Conducted thorough inspections of premises and security equipment regularly.
- Coordinated with law enforcement to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Enforced access control measures at all entry points and restricted areas.
- Responded swiftly to incidents, ensuring safety and order during live broadcasts.
Administrative Assistant
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman
Washington, DC
07.1996 - 08.1996
- Answered phone calls and emails to provide information, resulting in effective business correspondence.
- Entered data into spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel or other similar programs.
- Handled confidential documents in an organized fashion according to established protocol.
- Composed letters, memos, reports, emails, presentations and other written correspondence as required by management staff.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Prince George's Community College
Largo, MDSkills
- Microsoft office expertise
- Records management
- Compliance auditing
- Legal research
- Attention to detail
- Report generation
- Project coordination
Awards
- Time Off Award
- Excellent Performance Rating
- Outstanding Performance Rating
Timeline
Staff Assistant
Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of the Executive Secretariat
02.2017 - Current
Legal Assistant
Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Chief Counsel
06.2008 - 02.2017
Assistant Manager
Factory Card and Party Outlet
05.2007 - 06.2008
Administrative Support Specialist
United States Department of Justice, INS
08.1999 - 03.2007
Assistant Manager
The Athlete's Foot Shoe Store
03.1997 - 03.2005
Security Sergeant
Black Enterprise Television (BET)
01.1997 - 01.1998
Administrative Assistant
International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman
07.1996 - 08.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Prince George's Community College